Colossians 3
“Seek Those Things Which Are Above” (3:1–4)
1 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, having been seated at the right hand of God. 2 Keep thinking about the things above, not the things on the earth, 3 for you died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ—who is your life—is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
“Put on The New Man” (3:5–17)
5 Therefore, put to death that which belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and covetousness (which is idolatry). 6 Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. 7 You too once walked in these ways, in the life you used to live. 8 But now rid yourselves of all these: wrath, anger, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another since you have stripped off the old person who practiced such things 10 and have put on the new person, who is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created him. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free, but Christ is all and in all.
“Ye Serve The Lord Christ” (3:18–25)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and forgive each other if one has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which is the perfect bond. 15 And let the peace of Christ direct your hearts (since you were called as one body to this peace) and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly: Teach and educate each other in all wisdom, and sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God, with grace in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do everything in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, so that they won’t be discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything—not only while being watched, like people-pleasers, but in the sincerity of your heart—fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly, as if you were working for the Lord and not for people, 24 because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
